The curtain has officially closed on the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season, and the individual awards have been handed out. Unsurprisingly, newly crowned champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) swept the accolades, with Ousmane Dembélé being named MVP, teenage sensation Warren Zaïre-Emery (known as Doué) crowned Best Young Player, and a record seven PSG players named to the Team of the Season.
Dembélé Leads from the Front, Earns Champions League MVP
Ousmane Dembélé’s electric form throughout the tournament made him an obvious choice for the Champions League’s Most Valuable Player award. The French winger was the heartbeat of PSG’s attack, tallying 8 goals and 6 assists across 15 appearances, both team highs.
In the final, Dembélé once again rose to the occasion. He played the full 90 minutes and registered two assists as PSG demolished Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first-ever Champions League title.
UEFA’s Technical Observers praised Dembélé’s leadership and impact, saying:
“Dembélé played a pivotal role as a front-line leader. His intelligent movement, attacking threat, and ability to drop deep to support the midfield were key, especially in the final. He gave everything for the team.”
Speaking after receiving the award, Dembélé said:
“I’ve dreamed of playing in the Champions League since I first kicked a ball. To win it and be named MVP, it’s an incredible feeling. I’m proud of this journey and everything I’ve done to get here.”
Doué Named Best Young Player After Breakout Season
PSG’s dominance didn’t stop there. Nineteen-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery, affectionately known as Doué, capped off a remarkable campaign by winning the Best Young Player award. He was also named Man of the Match in the final after scoring twice and assisting once.
UEFA praised his maturity and breakthrough performances in the knockout stages:
“Doué stepped up in the biggest moments. His energy, skill, and decision-making at such a young age make him a role model for the next generation of players.”
Seven PSG Players in Team of the Season
Unsurprisingly, PSG made up the core of this year’s UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, with seven players earning selection, the most of any club.
Here’s the full Best XI in a dynamic 4-2-4 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
- Midfielders: Vitinha (PSG), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), Raphinha (Barcelona), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
UEFA’s technical report noted that this lineup reflects PSG’s incredible tactical flexibility and attacking prowess:
“This team embodies how PSG played to their strengths: fluid, interchangeable attacking roles and a rock-solid defensive base.”
Yamal’s Wonder Goal Tops UEFA’s Best Goals List
Barcelona may have fallen short in the semifinals, but 17-year-old Lamine Yamal gave fans one of the season’s most memorable moments. His stunning solo effort against Inter Milan, gliding past defenders and curling a delicate shot into the far corner, was voted the best goal of the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain’s long-awaited Champions League triumph was made even sweeter by a near-sweep of the season’s top honours. Dembélé’s experience, Doué’s emergence, and the depth of talent throughout the squad proved decisive. After years of heartbreak, PSG finally reached the summit of European football, and judging by their dominance, it might just be the beginning of a new era.
